THE new Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is working on a community Pride flag and need your help.
They are inviting people across the town to contribute to a patchwork flag, made from hundreds of colourful squares that celebrate all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.
A spokesperson said: "There are lots of ways to get involved. Choosing one of the 11 colours in the Progress Pride design, people are invited to make individual textile patches with names and stories celebrating their queer inspirations. You might want to shout out a member of your family for coming out, or a celebrity who has helped you on your LGBTQ+ journey. Perhaps an organisation helped you and your friends accept your identities, or you want to celebrate your own story.
"There are lots of ways for people to be involved from volunteering, to donating fabrics and digital photographs. We want the whole community to be involved; LGBTQ+ individuals, groups, and allies. Expert embroiderers and novice stitchers are all welcome to the project. We particularly want to hear stories from BAME communities. We want to reassure people that if anything is shared confidentially, this will be fully respected.
"We are also looking for photographs of your LGBTQ+ inspirations to print onto fabric. A person, building or event you want to celebrate.
"We want to include any stories from across the Ilkley communities as much as possible. If you have a story to share but can’t commit to making a patch please get in touch and we can help make sure you are included. It could be a name you want to celebrate, a quote or an idea.
"We're able to create a true celebration of our town's queer identity and use this flag to help educate people about the diversity of LGBTQ+ culture.”
"The Progress Flag design represents everyone and truly reflects our outlook,” said Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group chair David Shaw MBE.
“Pride celebrates inclusivity and acceptance. We want friends and allies to take part, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ilkley and surrounding villages.”
To get involved in the project email davidshawmbe@outlook.com or visit: https://express.adobe.com/page/YyFLXi60tNQ2C/
The First Ilkley Pride in Diversity Group meeting took place last week hosted by The Flying Duck in Ilkley. The group have arranged to meet on a two-weekly basis on Wednesdays. The date of the next meeting is February 16 at 7pm at The Flying Duck.
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